Thanks Mark this piece, brought a lot of memories back about the subtle, cultural 'fragmentations' that you notice when living in other countries lots of source for my personal writing ;)
I am melting. Japan -- particularly Mt. Fuji -- is on my bucket list. And I read through, full of curiousity and taking notes. Then I hit part 2. I am still quivering. What a wonderful, simple practice and unselfish statement of generosity. And great example. Thank you for sharing this, Mark. I look forwards to your next essay.
So much love for your way with words! "Elation vibrated as the sweet salty tang of my favourite energy drink struck the bell of my pallet." — reading this, my heart fluttered.
As a fellow Japan-expat, I would define omotenashi as "anticipation—and satisfaction—of needs you didn't even know you had." In my experience, the truest form of omotenashi stems from a belief in each person's essential humanity, and in turn, the validation of their unique needs as an individual. We all deserve that level of care once in awhile.
This essay feels so carefully and tenderly crafted as each one of those notes must have been. Thank you for sharing with us, Mark. I keep encountering Japan in conversations, writings, friends' experiences. It must mean I need to visit soon!
Mark, there is such beauty in your writing. Such raw and lovely feeling.
“I became for them that mountain with an unbearable ascent.”
I’m so glad that your muse (and your heart) triumphed over your head (as you expressed yesterday) on behalf of what you are writing about. It’s a huge contribution to others.
Thanks Mark this piece, brought a lot of memories back about the subtle, cultural 'fragmentations' that you notice when living in other countries lots of source for my personal writing ;)
Thanks Martyn for your thoughts on this. The Ex-pat experience is rich!
I am melting. Japan -- particularly Mt. Fuji -- is on my bucket list. And I read through, full of curiousity and taking notes. Then I hit part 2. I am still quivering. What a wonderful, simple practice and unselfish statement of generosity. And great example. Thank you for sharing this, Mark. I look forwards to your next essay.
Karena - Thank your for the comments. I'm so happy that this resonated so deeply with you. Mt. Fuji is super special.
So much love for your way with words! "Elation vibrated as the sweet salty tang of my favourite energy drink struck the bell of my pallet." — reading this, my heart fluttered.
As a fellow Japan-expat, I would define omotenashi as "anticipation—and satisfaction—of needs you didn't even know you had." In my experience, the truest form of omotenashi stems from a belief in each person's essential humanity, and in turn, the validation of their unique needs as an individual. We all deserve that level of care once in awhile.
Thanks so much Ori. You are the best! Yes! We all deserve that level of care! Onward!
There's a vending machine for every occasion in Japan 🗻
Really nice piece, Mark
This essay feels so carefully and tenderly crafted as each one of those notes must have been. Thank you for sharing with us, Mark. I keep encountering Japan in conversations, writings, friends' experiences. It must mean I need to visit soon!
Mark, there is such beauty in your writing. Such raw and lovely feeling.
“I became for them that mountain with an unbearable ascent.”
I’m so glad that your muse (and your heart) triumphed over your head (as you expressed yesterday) on behalf of what you are writing about. It’s a huge contribution to others.
I’m so glad we connected via WOP.